🚗 Chew Valley Lake North Car Park Chew Magna, Bristol BS40 8SZ

🚗 Type: Free Public Car Park (managed by Bristol Water)
🕒 Open: Year-round, 06:00–18:00 (no overnight parking)
🌟 Rating: 4.5/5 (Average user reviews)
🚍 Public Transport: Limited. Bus 672/X91 from Bristol stops at “Salt & Malt” (at the car park entrance). Nearest train: Bristol Temple Meads (~12 miles)

💰 Pricing & Permits

Cost: ~£2.40 up to 2 hours; £4.70 all day (free after 6pm)
Payment: Pay by RingGo app/phone (20 min grace period). Tip: Cellular signal is spotty – download/setup the app before arrival. A coin pay-and-display machine is available on-site (bring change).
Permits: Annual parking passes are available from Bristol Water (display sticker on windscreen). Blue Badge holders park free with badge displayed.
Future Changes: Plans are being considered for adding EV charging bays by 2025 (pending funding approval).

📊 Capacity & Physical Features

Note: Standard bay lengths only – large motorhomes or trailers may find maneuvering tight (no dedicated oversized bays).

♿ Accessibility

Disabled Access: Smooth, level ground throughout. 5 Blue Badge bays are provided near the jetty and picnic area for easy access. The Recreational Trail (2.7 km) starting here is wheelchair- and stroller-friendly (all-weather surface). An accessible lakeside viewing platform and disabled toilets are available on-site.

Nearest Adapted Parking: Additional accessible parking is available at Woodford Lodge (west side of lake, ~5 min drive) if needed.

Drop-Off Zone: Visitors can drop off passengers right by the entrance gate/jetty area – the curb is level for easy transfer.

🔌 EV Infrastructure

On-Site Charging: None (no electric vehicle chargers at this car park).

Nearest Options:

• Pelican Inn, Chew Magna – Small pub charger (~7 kW), 4 miles away (approx. 10-min drive)

• Bristol Airport – Multiple rapid chargers (50 kW+), ~9 miles (15-min drive)

(Note: Charging availability can change; plan ahead if you’re visiting with an EV.)

📅 Peak Times & Occupancy

Live Demand Patterns: The car park is busiest on weekends and school holidays, while weekdays are fairly tranquil outside of lunchtime.

Pro Tip: On sunny summer weekends, the lot often fills by late morning. Arrive before 10:00 for a guaranteed space, or consider the alternative parking options below when it’s full.

🚶 Walkability Score

Even though this car park is in a rural lakeside setting, there are several points of interest and trailheads accessible on foot:

Footnote: Walk times are approximate, from the car park.

Seasonal Nature Highlights: Chew Valley Lake is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Protection Area due to its abundant wildlife. Each season offers something special:

• Spring: wildflower blooms around the trails and nesting waterfowl (listen for warblers in the reeds).

• Summer: dragonflies and butterflies flourish; lush greenery and frequent sightings of grebes and herons along the shore.

• Autumn: migrating birds pass through – you may spot an osprey or other rare visitors during fall migration.

• Winter: large flocks of overwintering ducks, swans, and geese gather on the lake (a treat for birdwatchers, so bring binoculars!).

🛒 Nearby Amenities

Essentials:

• Toilets: Yes – on-site restroom block by the picnic area (includes an accessible toilet and baby-changing facilities).

• Picnic Area: Dozens of picnic tables around the car park with lake views (first-come, first-served). Bins are provided for rubbish – please help keep the area tidy to protect wildlife.

• Playground: Small children’s play area on-site (swings and climbing frame) next to the picnic tables. Great for kids to burn off energy.

• Visitor Centre: The Bristol Water fisheries/visitor office at Woodford Lodge (5 min drive around the lake) provides information, fishing permits, and birdwatching hide permits.

• ATM/Shop: Nearest cash point and convenience store are in Chew Magna village (~2.5 miles north), so plan ahead if you need cash or supplies (Salt & Malt accepts cards).

Food & Drink:

• Salt & Malt (0 min) – Award-winning fish and chip restaurant right at the car park. Serves freshly caught fish, chips, ice cream, teas/coffees, etc. Lakeside picnic tables available. Open daily 9am–5pm (later in summer). Expect it to be busy at lunchtime on weekends.

• The Woodford at Chew Lake (~5 min drive) – A full-service lakeside restaurant at Woodford Lodge (across the lake). Offers breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea with panoramic lake views. You can drive or enjoy a picturesque walk/cycle via the dam to reach it.

• Pubs and Cafés (nearby villages): If you fancy a traditional pub or alternative eateries, Chew Magna (10 min drive) has pubs like The Pelican Inn and The Bear & Swan, and Bishop Sutton (5 min drive) has the Red Lion pub. These require a short drive, as walking along country roads is not recommended.

🅿️ Alternative Parking Comparison

If the North Car Park is full or if you’re exploring different sections of the lake, consider these nearby parking options:

Note: Picnic Area 2 is the secondary official car park on the lake’s eastern side – it has similar charges and facilities (toilets, trails). Woodford Lodge car park is intended for restaurant guests and anglers but open to public use (if dining or visiting the lodge). The Herriott’s Bridge lay-bys along the A368 offer quick stops for photos/bird spotting but fill up fast and are not suitable for long stays.

⚠️ Important Notices

• No Overnight Parking: This car park is closed to public use overnight. There is no barrier, but Bristol Water prohibits overnight stays. After sunset, only Salt & Malt restaurant patrons are allowed briefly (and must depart after dining). Camping or leaving vehicles overnight may result in enforcement action.

• Park & Display: Ensure you start a RingGo session or display a valid permit upon arrival. Parking attendants do patrol occasionally, and fines are issued for non-payment or not displaying the free pass/permit where required.

• Mobile Signal Advisory: Phone signal around the lake can be weak. Download the RingGo app and sign in before you arrive. If you have trouble on-site, the pay machine (coins only) is located by the toilet block as a backup.

• Wildlife Rules: Chew Valley Lake is a protected wildlife site. Dogs must be leashed in the car park and on trails (to avoid disturbing nesting birds). Do not feed the waterfowl – it can harm their health and pollute the lake. Also, no swimming or boating from the car park shore (activities are only allowed in designated areas with permits).

• Peak Season Crowds: On summer weekends and bank holidays, expect heavy traffic on local roads and a full car park by midday. Consider arriving early or late in the day to avoid congestion. During large events like the annual Valley Fest (early August) held nearby, access roads can be busier and parking management staff may redirect visitors – follow signage and staff instructions during those times.

• Maintenance & Closures: Bristol Water conducts regular maintenance – e.g. quarterly line repainting, surface repairs, and litter collection every Monday and Friday. These cause minimal disruption (usually only a few bays coned off temporarily). In very rare cases of extreme winter flooding or ice, sections of the car park or trails might be closed for safety – heed any posted notices.

📌 Expert Tips

• “Early Bird” Advantage: Arrive by 8:00 AM if you’re coming to fish or birdwatch – you’ll have your pick of spots and enjoy the tranquil morning lake (plus sunrises over the water are gorgeous). The car park is almost empty at dawn, and wildlife is most active early.

• Lunch & Learn: Plan a weekday visit if possible – you’ll avoid crowds. Pack a picnic or grab lunch at 11:30 (before the noon rush) and snag a picnic table. On quiet weekdays, you might even see deer or hares venturing near the car park edges.

• Evening Serenity: Visiting after 6 PM? Parking is free in the evenings, perfect for a sunset walk. The lake often turns golden at dusk – a favorite time for photographers. (Just finish up before it gets too late, since facilities like toilets and café close by early evening.)

• Leverage the Annual Pass: If you’re a regular visitor, invest in the Annual Parking Pass sold at Woodford Lodge or Salt & Malt. It pays for itself if you visit often and saves the hassle of using the app each time. Display the sticker, and you’re good to go. (Bonus: funds support lake maintenance.)

• Backup Plan: If you arrive and find this car park full, don’t park on verges or in passing lanes – local police do ticket improperly parked cars. Instead, head to Picnic Area 2 (signposted off Walley Lane towards Bishop Sutton) where there are more spaces. It’s connected by the lakeside trail, so you won’t miss out on any scenery.

• Enjoy the Nature: Bring binoculars or a zoom camera. You can often spot water birds like herons, egrets, and swans right from the car park. There’s a known heron nesting area visible across the lake – ask a birder on-site to point it out. Also, check the noticeboard by the toilets for recent wildlife sightings and any ranger-led walk schedules.

• Rainy Day Tip: The car park itself drains well, but some trails (especially parts of the Bittern Trail) can get muddy after heavy rain. Wear sturdy shoes or wellies if it’s wet. If you’re picnicking, note that the grass near the eastern bays can get soggy – use picnic tables or bring a waterproof blanket.

🔮 Future Developments

• 2025 – EV Charging Installation: Bristol Water has proposed installing 4 electric vehicle charging bays at the North car park as part of a green initiative. If funding and planning are approved, construction could start in late 2025, bringing convenient charging options for visitors with EVs.

• 2026 – Visitor Experience Upgrades: A project is in discussion to enhance the visitor experience around Chew Valley Lake. For the North car park area, plans include improved interpretive signage about the lake’s history and wildlife, additional benches along the trails, and possibly an information kiosk or small visitor centre near the picnic area. These upgrades aim to make the site even more welcoming and educational for first-time visitors. (Public consultations will be held before any construction.)